The long awaited Yacaaba Street extension, connecting the Nelson Bay CBD to the waterfront and creating a new green space for the public, was officially opened on Friday morning. Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer opened the $1.85 million extension of Yacaaba Street on July 13 saying it marked a milestone for the town and the first major infrastructure project under the Nelson Bay Next brand. “This is an exciting day for Nelson Bay,” he said. “The Yacaaba Street extension has completely transformed this end of town. We now have new thoroughfare for both traffic and pedestrians to use, and the community has a new space to enjoy. “By removing the buildings and opening up Yacaaba Street we’ve created better visibility and accessibility between the CBD and the foreshore, which is a key principle of the Nelson Bay strategy. “There’s so much potential for this new community space. Whether it’s markets, outdoor exercise, or just a place to soak up the sunshine, we expect the Yacaaba Street extension will drive visitation to the precinct and boost the local economy. “This is just the beginning, though. We’re currently developing the first public domain plan for Nelson Bay, which is reimagining how our beautiful seaside town will look and feel. “There are some really exciting changes proposed which will make Nelson Bay an even more open, inviting and beautiful place to live than it already is. I can’t wait to share the draft plan with the community when it’s ready for public exhibition in the coming months. The buildings coming down to make way for the extension in September 2017: Demolition works in September 2017: “Council is also working hard to advocate on behalf of our community for more State Government funding for key roads, town centre rejuvenation and much needed infrastructure. It really is an exciting time to live in Port Stephens.” Phil Miles, the council’s capital works section manager, thanked the community and businesses for their patience during the construction period. “Our head contractor Daracon has done a great job, and I think that the community of Nelson Bay will be really pleased with the result,” he said. “I want to thank everyone for their patience over the last few months – I know there has been a few delays but I think everyone will agree that it was certainly worth the wait.” March 2014: Yacaaba Street plan on exhibition April 2014: Objections against Port Stephens Council's Yacaaba Street extension June 2014: Yacaaba Street extension to go ahead July 2014: Green space win for Nelson Bay's Yacaaba Street February 2017: Port Stephens Council agrees to $6m loan for Yacaaba Street extension February 2017: Digging in to build CBD link by April schedule August 2017: Demolition set for Yacaaba street September 2017: Nelson Bay waterfront begins with demolition of shops | photos, videos November 2017: Yacaaba Street extension on hold until after Christmas January 2018: Port Stephens Council to resume Yacaaba Street extension works March 2018: Backbone laid for Nelson Bay street extension

OPEN: The Yacaaba Street extension in Nelson Bay CBD was officially opened on Friday, July 13. Picture: Henk Tobbe

The long awaited Yacaaba Street extension, connecting the Nelson Bay CBD to the waterfront and creating a new green space for the public, was officially opened on Friday morning.

Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer opened the $1.85 million extension of Yacaaba Street on July 13 saying it marked a milestone for the town and the first major infrastructure project under the Nelson Bay Next brand.

“This is an exciting day for Nelson Bay,” he said. “The Yacaaba Street extension has completely transformed this end of town. We now have new thoroughfare for both traffic and pedestrians to use, and the community has a new space to enjoy.

From the demolition to ground works to the complete street - take a look through the photos from the Yacaaba Street extension. Pictures: Sam Norris, Ellie-Marie Watts, Henk Tobbe and Port Stephens Council

“By removing the buildings and opening up Yacaaba Street we’ve created better visibility and accessibility between the CBD and the foreshore, which is a key principle of the Nelson Bay strategy.

“There’s so much potential for this new community space. Whether it’s markets, outdoor exercise, or just a place to soak up the sunshine, we expect the Yacaaba Street extension will drive visitation to the precinct and boost the local economy.

“This is just the beginning, though. We’re currently developing the first public domain plan for Nelson Bay, which is reimagining how our beautiful seaside town will look and feel.

“There are some really exciting changes proposed which will make Nelson Bay an even more open, inviting and beautiful place to live than it already is. I can’t wait to share the draft plan with the community when it’s ready for public exhibition in the coming months.

The buildings coming down to make way for the extension in September 2017:

Demolition works in September 2017:

“Council is also working hard to advocate on behalf of our community for more State Government funding for key roads, town centre rejuvenation and much needed infrastructure. It really is an exciting time to live in Port Stephens.”

Phil Miles, the council’s capital works section manager, thanked the community and businesses for their patience during the construction period.

“Our head contractor Daracon has done a great job, and I think that the community of Nelson Bay will be really pleased with the result,” he said.

“I want to thank everyone for their patience over the last few months – I know there has been a few delays but I think everyone will agree that it was certainly worth the wait.”